Nell Nolan's Social Scene: Doctors, dedication and good deeds

An honoree, too, thanks to the recent "Roast and Toast" dedicating the Warren R. Summer, MD Professorship of Pulmonary Medicine. This took place at the invitation of Louisiana Medical Alumni Association's Committee of 100 -- Champions of Excellence of the LSU School of Medicine and unfolded in the Napoleon Ballroom of the Hilton Riverside. Black tie was the optional dress code.

Dr. Summer, "the man for this season, " is the former section chief of the LSU Pulmonary and Critical Care Section of the Department of Medicine. He good-naturedly endured the humorous roast by colleagues and friends, all under the direction of master of ceremonies Dr. Russell Klein, a life member of the board of directors of the LSU Medical Alumni Association, Inc. Dr. Gerard F. Pena, who attended wife spouse Trisha is the outgoing president, and Dr. Charles G. Schibler II, the incoming one.

Applauding the honored Dr. Summer were spouse Lil; children Renee Melchiode, Lori Machiorlette and Ross Summer; and grandchildren Zack and Margo Melchiode, and Morgan, Brette and Max Machiorlette. Also, Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Steve Nelson and his wife, Julie; Dr. Cathi Fontenot, associate dean for alumni affairs, and husband Frank Modica; Dr. Fred Rodriguez, current chairman of the Committee of 100, with Susan; Dr. Roxanne Townsend, interim CEO of the interim LSU Hospital; and Chairman of Medicine Dr. Charles Sanders with Julia.

Turning a page in history shows the founding of the Committee of 100 in 1983. At that time 100 members and their financial commitments commenced. Said one member down the line, "No one could have predicted its (the committee's) tremendous success." Twenty-seven years later, the commitment of 700 alumni who have pledged $10,000 or more has resulted in more than $50 million in endowments and an alumni role in the construction of two state-of-the-art capital projects: the Isidore Cohn Jr. MD Student Learning Center and the Russell C. Klein MD ('59) Center for Advanced Practice.

Nourishing the Summer set was a repast fit for praise. Starting with a sweet potato and andouille bisque, the meal moved on to a salad, grilled tenderloin of steak, and a dessert trio. Canyon Road was the wine selected for the chardonnay and the cabernet sauvignon accompaniment.

Concurrently, and at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Project Lazarus, the residential facility for people living with HIVS and AIDS, hosted its annual Guardian Angel Award Dinner featuring Charmaine Neville. Black tie-optional was also the suggested tenue. Hailed and honored as the 2010 Guardian Angels were Jim Mounger and Sister Ann Roddy, who have given selflessly of their time, talents, resources, and leadership on behalf of those in the HIV and AIDS community. Mounger, a native of Rayville, is a real estate lawyer who has chaired PL's LazFest, among other fundraisers, and serves on a several arts-related boards. A native of St. Louis, Sister Ann has been a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame for more than a half-century. A watercolorist as well, she has ministered to Lazarus residents for years.

The awards committee consisted of Jim Lestelle, who attended with John Stephens; Angela Bowlin with Kelp Littlefield; Elizabeth "Betty" Nice; Steve Rivera; Irby Petit with Aaron Maggie; Sarah Wick with David; and Lazarus executive director Eric Oleson with Anna. Additional thanks targeted the Goldring Family Foundation, AT&T, Mitch's Flowers (for the donated florals, including hand-picked wild native plants for an all-natural feel to the tabletops), Harvey Hauser Printing Company and Rusty Hauser; and entertainer Charmaine Neville, who donated not only her performance but also her own famous desserts as live-auction items.

Among the coveted items in the auction were hotel stays and art by Gustavo Duque, Matilde Alberny, David Lumpkin and Sister Ann. The raffle had more high-end prizes. The culinary treats were a spinach and mushroom salad, braised short ribs, and bananas Foster cheesecake.